Business Internet Marketing Strategies for You

In our most recent newsletter we looked at some of the skills related to "bossing" - and a big part of being the boss is negotiation skills. (Not receiving our expert strategies and tips? No worries. Sign up here.)

It's part of the management toolbox important to every small business owner.

Always get something in return for giving something away. Not only does this strengthen your position, it will also - believe it or not - bring more satisfaction to the other person than if they got your concession for free.

Don't take things personally. Your focus should be on solving the problem of how to reach an agreement that satisfies both sides, not on how badly the other person behaves.

Patience really is a virtue. When negotiating, whoever is more flexible about time always has the advantage.

Be willing to walk away. Always give yourself the option to say "No".

Show the other person how their needs will be met. Figure out what their real needs are (vs "wants") and then figure out a way to help meet them. When that happens they'll be much more inclined to help you satisfy your needs, too.

So What Does All This Have To Do With Online Marketing?

Online marketing at its core is a negotiation between you and your potential clients or customers. Your job is to figure out what problems your potential customers have and how your product or service helps them overcome that obstacle. And pretty much any negotiation tool you have in your arsenal will apply equally well to marketing your business. It's all about meeting needs, not a hard sell.

So, next time you're thinking about what you can do to market your business online remember your negotiation skills - and then put them to good use on your next marketing campaign!

Deborah is a reformed tennis bum and inbound marketing strategist whose main professional purpose is to support local business owners, experts and entrepreneurs by helping them understand the impact and importance of online marketing. She is one happy camper when she can help clients be more visible on the Internet, increase their own customer base and become more profitable. How can she help you?

Wonder Why MORE People Don't Find You Online?

It's not rocket science — honest — but there are some very particular things that every business must do to attract leads and customers on the Internet. We love sharing those tips ... so, poke around. Pick up some expert online marketing advice — and come back often. We'll be here!